Billing & churn email template
Failed payment email (dunning)
A failed payment email, often called a dunning email, tells a customer their payment didn't go through and how to fix it. Send it right away, keep it friendly and factual, and link straight to where they update their card.
Event-based, sent the moment it happens
Each time it happens
Stripe, Paddle
The email template
This is the starter email Atlis fills in when you add the Payment Failed trigger.
Subject
Action needed: your {{productName}} payment didn't go through
Hi {{displayName}},
We couldn't process your latest payment for {{productName}}.
Please update your payment method to avoid any interruption to your access.
Update payment method
Thanks,
The {{productName}} team
When it sends in Atlis
A payment fails in Stripe or Paddle, or you track payment_failed.
Goal: Recover the payment before it turns into involuntary churn.
Tips for this email
- Link directly to the card update page. Every extra step loses people.
- Assume it's an expired card, not a decision to leave. Keep the tone helpful.
- Add follow-ups a few days apart until the payment is recovered.
Send it automatically in three steps
- 1
Connect your app
Install the Atlis snippet and connect Stripe or Paddle in Settings → Integrations.
- 2
Add the Payment Failed trigger
In Workflows, add the Payment Failed trigger. The email below is filled in for you.
- 3
Edit and switch it on
Adjust the wording, optionally add up to 4 follow-ups, and switch the workflow on.
Questions
Is it automatic with Stripe?
Yes. Connect Stripe or Paddle and Atlis records payment_failed when a payment fails, then sends your workflow. It can send again for later failures.
Do follow-ups stop when the customer pays?
Yes. When Stripe or Paddle reports the payment went through, Atlis records payment_recovered and stops the remaining follow-ups. You can use Payment Recovered for a thank-you email.